Matt Horsham, Community Projects Officer for Operation Turtle Dove, reflects on the recent OTD presence at Groundswell 2025 With the OTD team spread across much of the South East and East Anglia, it’s always a treat for everyone to meet up in person. The most recent occasion was Groundswell 2025 on 2nd and 3rd July, […]
Continue readingMore good news on Turtle Dove recovery in Western Europe – a 40% increase on 2021 numbers!
Rick Bayne, Senior Project Manager for Operation Turtle Dove, reflects on good news for the species. It’s that time of year again when anticipation builds around the imminent return of migrant bird species that use the UK to breed and raise their young. Whilst Chiffchaffs already seem to be everywhere and there are widespread reports […]
Continue readingWater = Life. Restoring ponds to help nature thrive on farms
Whilst providing accessible and abundant seed-rich habitat is the most crucial element for Turtle Dove conservation in the UK, access to fresh water is also important. Mark Nowers, Operation Turtle Dove’s adviser for Essex, explores our work with farmers and partners in Eastern England. There is something magnificent about a pond, especially on a sunny, […]
Continue readingFrom a symbol of farmland wildlife decline to a flagship for its recovery
Why Turtle Doves can lead the way in restoring farm wildlife By Shivani Thevar – Turtle Dove Conservation Adviser (Sussex, Hampshire and West Kent) The charismatic Turtle Dove is a beloved bird in the countryside. Its beautiful wing pattern, striking neck stripes and soothing purring call often make it stand out in both the countryside […]
Continue readingDouble your impact for Turtle Doves
5th December 2024 6pm update: We’ve just hit £60,000! Thanks to everyone that has donated so far. Please help us hit our £100,000 target by next Tuesday! Getting the UK ‘Turtle Dove Ready’ Between 3 and 10 December, we’re joining the Big Give’s Christmas Challenge. That means for one week only, your festive donation to […]
Continue readingOperation Turtle Dove Christmas 2021 Blog
Guy Anderson, RSPB Thanks to a certain Christmas song, turtle doves are forever associated with this time of year. Just one example of how frequently they crop up in our music, art, and literature. A bird that punches well above its weight in the heritage of human cultures all across its European and Asian breeding […]
Continue readingBig step in progress with ending unsustainable hunting of turtle doves
The RSPB’s Carles Carboneras and Guy Anderson report on a major development with turtle dove hunting in Spain.
Continue readingTurtle Dove update
As we come towards the end of a very unusual spring and summer, we take a look at what’s been happening in the world of turtle dove conservation.
Continue readingDoodle a Dove
Corinne Pardey tells us how people have been taking part in #doodleadove during lockdown. The current ‘Lockdown’ situation has meant many people are staying safe at home. This has meant people are seeing more wildlife in their gardens and surrounding areas than ever before. Species they have never seen before, behaviour they have never witnessed. […]
Continue readingCelebrate with a Dove Story
We celebrate the RSPB’s turtle dove Conservation Advisors and how their on-the-ground conservation work is supporting the survival of these romantic figures. Turtle doves have long been a symbol of love. They are often seen in pairs and their beauty and soothing song have inspired artists throughout history in their depictions of romance. They have […]
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